Grassroots sport given £5,000 funding boost

After a successful first year, GFORCE Teamwear’s ‘GFORCE Grassroots Campaign’, which aims to provide financial support to help local sports teams and clubs from across the Midlands achieve their aspirations, is now open for nominations for 2017.

SPORT clubs and teams across Leicestershire are being urged to apply for a unique funding scheme run by a leading sportswear firm.

After a successful first year, GFORCE Teamwear’s ‘GFORCE Grassroots Campaign’, which aims to provide financial support to help local sports teams and clubs from across the Midlands achieve their aspirations, is now open for nominations for 2017.

Reinforcing its commitment to grassroots sport, the company has again set aside a £5,000 pot of money which organisations can apply for grants from, with a maximum value of up to £750 per team or club.

In 2016, six donations at a total of £5,000 were made to clubs across the East Midlands.

Simon Ward, sales director at GFORCE, said: “We were absolutely delighted with how the first ever Grassroots campaign went last year. We made six donations supporting everything from girls cricket, over 50’s walking football to junior football and a university horse riding club providing either kit or money which was put towards a range of things such as travel costs and new changing facilities.

“It was such a success that we have decided to run it for another year but this time open it up to the whole Midlands region so we can reward the dedication, passion and success of sports teams and clubs from across the full area.

“Our company has a proud history of supporting the community and this campaign is a great way to do just that, as well as reaffirming our commitment to grassroots sport. We know how hard it is for sports clubs to keep going and getting access to funding can be a real issue, so we urge teams across the region to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

“Perhaps your football team needs a new kit, you have travel expenses to cover for a swimming tournament or new equipment or facilities to buy for your tennis or cricket club. Whatever your need, all you have to do is fill out a form on our website spelling out why you think your club deserves help and we will allocate funding on a case-by-case basis.”

Sports teams and clubs of any type of sport whose members are over the age of 10 and are based in the Midlands area will be able to apply.

Entries for the first phase of this initiative can be submitted from March 1 until April 30, 2017 and the first successful applicants will be notified by June 12, 2017. Full terms and conditions can also be found on the website at www.gforcesportswear.co.uk/info/grassroots